To what extent do sociocultural factors influence the development of identity?

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials.

The command term "to what extent" requires candidates to consider the contribution of sociocultural factors in the development of identity. It is appropriate and useful for candidates to address the influence of biological and cognitive factors in the development of identity in order to respond to the command term "to what extent".

Sociocultural factors influencing identity development may include, but are not limited to:

• family influences on identity development
• the role of culture in identity development
• the ethnic aspect of identity development
• gender and identity development
• social class and identity development
• social identity and identity development.

Research studies may include, but are not limited to:

• Marcia (1980) family influences on identity development in adolescence
• Erikson’s (1968) research on culture, race, ethnicity and identity
• Phinney’s (1989) study on ethnic identities of minority groups
• Gilligan (1990) study on gender and identity development
• Tajfel and Turner (1979) research on social identity and identity development
• Gee and Crawford (1998) research on language, social class and identity.

Candidates may address a small number of sociocultural factors influencing identity development in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may address a larger number of sociocultural factors influencing identity development in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

This was not extremely popular with candidates, but some did a nice job of responding to the question. Candidates addressing this question focused on the role of culture or gender in the development of identity. Although responses reflected good knowledge of theories and research, critical thinking seemed to be a bit weak for this response.